Does chemistry surpass talent when it comes to

Quarterback Ryan Rakowski of Palos Verdes High was rolling proper while being chased. Two defensive backs confronted a fast resolution. Stick with their receiver or come up to confront Rakowski if he determined to run.

Jalen Flowers was being coated, then noticed Rakowski movement with his non-throwing hand to keep going. Soon Rakowski was firing the ball to a wide-open Flowers for a 43-yard landing as two helpless Mira Costa defenders gave pursuit.

It was a good instance displaying the significance of chemistry between quarterback and receiver. Of course, talent helps lead to touchdowns, but chemistry beats talent like rock beats scissors.

“I think it’s kind of easy to have chemistry with him,” Rakowski said. “He understands the game so well, understands what coverages are.”

Jalen Flowers of Palos Verdes exhibits off his catching expertise.

(Nick Koza / For The Times)

When quarterbacks and receivers are pondering alike, magic occurs.

“At the end of the day, it boils down to trust,” said Westlake coach Rick Clausen, who performed quarterback as did brothers Casey and Jimmy. “Is the receiver going to be where you need him to be? Is he going to make plays for you? It’s such a reliant position. You could be gifted as a thrower, gifted as a receiver, but one without the other is pretty useless.”

The best passing duos appear like they’ve telepathic powers with the flexibility to anticipate each other’s next transfer. That’s why quarterbacks throwing to receivers in offseason practices are invaluable as each learns about the other.

“When adversity hits and the finger-pointing begins, it’s your chemistry that saves you,” Mission Viejo coach Chad Johnson said.

When St. Bernard coach Dean Herrington was throwing passes to his No. 1 goal, Dale Frack, in 1981 at Hart High, the chemistry between the 2 was legendary.

“You know where the guy is going to be. You’re on the same page,” Herrington said.

Even though the sport has advanced, with sometimes 4 and 5 receivers going out for passes instead of two, Herrington said, “Chemistry is just as important, if not more so.”

“Chemistry is higher,” Hart coach Jake Goossen said. “If you have talent but it’s not complementary , it’s not going to be fruitful. I want some talent, too, but you have to have the chemistry.”

Here are duos this season displaying off talent and chemistry:

Ryan Rakowski and Jalen Flowers, Palos Verdes. Whether praying together before a recreation or giving high-fives after touchdowns, the Palos Verdes duo retains producing on short slants or deep posts.

Jaden Jefferson and Quentin Hale, Corona Centennial. This duo grew up together, lived together and performed together for years. Jefferson undoubtedly is aware of what Hale is pondering and vice versa.

Star Thomas III and KJ Woodbury, Orange. They have mixed for 16 touchdowns in 9 video games as juniors.

Jered Smith and Aiden Mejia, Verdugo Hills. Mejia may most likely close his eyes and know precisely where Smith can be passing the ball. They have 9 touchdowns together.

Grady Long and Landon Armenta, La Serna. Long trusts Armenta like he’s his brother. They’ve mixed for 10 touchdowns, with Armenta surpassing 1,000 yards in receiving. They’ve been best pals since kindergarten.

Dane Weber and Chase Bonta, Chaparral. An injury left Weber on the sideline to start the season, but he’s back. Weber and Bonta have recognized each other since kindergarten.

Brady Edmunds and Dylin Bruce, Huntington Beach. In less than two seasons, they’ve mixed for 12 landing passes.

Koa Malau’ulu and Kuika Moaalii, St. John Bosco. They are cousins who have been taking part in together since they have been 10. Moaalii has 9 landing receptions and is having a breakout sophomore season.

Corona Del Mar reciever JJ Haley (1) leaps for a landing catch.

(Don Leach/Daily Pilot)

John David Annett and JJ Haley, Corona del Mar. Annett sometimes throws the ball up understanding Haley will discover a means to catch it. Both are juniors with full trust in each other.

Hendrix Tucker and Charles Davis, Westlake. Filling in because of an injury, Tucker, a freshman, has found the significance of getting the ball to Davis, who has 11 landing receptions.

Jordan Spigarelli and Shane McKibbin, Newport Harbor. They’ve been throwing and catching passes from each other since fifth grade and have related for eight touchdowns this season.